Imagine biting into your favorite crispy, golden samosa—or twirling a warm, syrupy jalebi onto your plate—only to spot a sign beside it that almost translates: “Warning: May increase risk of obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.”Feels a little jarring, right?Well, that’s exactly what’s about to happen in parts of India. Following a recent move by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the government is reportedly planning to roll out cigarette-style health warnings for high-fat, sugar-laden Indian street foods—like samosas and jalebis—especially when sold in schools and public institutions.The goal? Raise public awareness around the growing epidemic of lifestyle diseases linked to trans fats and ultra-processed foods. It’s a bold step. And it’s got people buzzing—not just in India, but across the globe.So now comes the real question: Could something like this ever fly in the US?Let’s break it down.America is no stranger to deep-fried delights. Doughnuts, Twinkies, mozzarella sticks, state-fair funnel cakes. We’ve built a culture around comfort food, and we don’t really expect those foods to come with a side of health shame. Sure, we’ve got nutrition facts on packaging. But health warnings? That’s another level.In India, however, the conversation is shifting quickly. Due to rising rates of obesity, fatty liver disease, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes (even among children), there’s a growing urgency to call out what many already know: these beloved treats might taste like heaven but can wreak havoc on the body.Jalebis, for example, are 100% sugar-and-fat bombs—deep-fried and soaked in syrup. Samosas? A delicious trifecta of starch, trans fats, and carbs. Traditional, yes. Delicious, absolutely. Healthy? Eh, not so much.And Indian health experts aren’t mincing words. They’re pushing for statutory warnings, especially in places like school canteens and government buildings. Think: black boxes or bold-font warnings next to the snack trays. Much like cigarette packets.That’s a major culture shift.
Could this happen in the US?
Short answer: It’s complicated.The U.S. has a long, tangled relationship with food regulation. Remember New York City’s soda ban attempt in 2012? The mayor tried to restrict the sale of supersized sugary drinks. It sparked national outrage and was eventually shot down in court. Even the calorie counts we now see on fast food menus took years of lobbying and public debate.Now, imagine putting a health warning next to every doughnut, churro, or slice of pecan pie. For many Americans, that feels downright un-American.But here’s the thing: Science doesn’t care about cultural resistance. What’s unhealthy in India is just as unhealthy in Iowa. We’re in the same metabolic mess. The only difference is that India is trying to make the danger more obvious.
Why it matters
The core idea behind India’s new plan isn’t to shame food—it’s to inform the eater.Because let’s face it: most people don’t know what they’re actually eating. Trans fats hide behind labels like “partially hydrogenated oils.” Added sugars lurk in ketchup, salad dressing, and even “low-fat” snacks. Jalebis and samosas are just the tip of the fried iceberg.And the numbers? Not pretty.According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 2 American adults has high blood pressure.1 in 3 has prediabetes.Childhood obesity rates have more than tripled in the past four decades.
If that’s not an epidemic, what is?
Now layer in the emotional and cultural attachments we have to food. Suddenly, any attempt to label or limit feels personal. That’s part of what makes food policy so hard to implement in the U.S.—we treat our food choices as private freedoms. But when public health is on the line, does that freedom come at too high a cost?
Cafés, restaurants, and responsibility
So what about restaurants? Cafés? Street vendors?Here’s where it gets spicy. Small business owners argue that labeling certain foods as “dangerous” could hurt sales, stigmatize cultural foods, and scare away customers.Fair point. But what if it’s not about fear—what if it’s about balance?American diners already navigate dietary tags like “gluten-free,” “low-carb,” or “sugar-free.” Why not tag ultra-processed items or dishes with trans fats too? Not every croissant needs a warning sign—but maybe deep-fried, sugar-drenched items served regularly in schools or hospitals should come with a little heads-up.
What American parents can learn
Here’s a reality check: ultra-processed snacks have become lunchbox staples in the US From Pop-Tarts to fruit snacks to fried cafeteria foods, kids are eating way more junk than whole food.India’s approach might seem harsh, but it also makes the invisible visible. And when parents start seeing what’s actually in the food their kids eat, behavior starts to shift.Maybe it’s time we adopted that mindset—not to shame treats, but to frame them. As “occasional,” not everyday. As “fun,” not fundamental.One final myth to bust: Just because something’s traditional doesn’t mean it’s harmless.Samosas and jalebis are deeply rooted in Indian culture. So are doughnuts and cornbread in the American South. That doesn’t give them a health pass.Tradition can coexist with transformation. You can still enjoy the foods you love—just maybe not five times a week, and maybe with clearer knowledge of what you’re actually eating.Could America benefit from warning labels on its most indulgent snacks? Honestly? Yeah.We probably won’t see cigarette-style boxes on cupcakes any time soon—but the larger idea is worth chewing on. Because whether it’s a samosa in Mumbai or a Twinkie in Milwaukee, ultra-processed food is quietly rewriting our health future.India’s plan is a loud, crunchy wake-up call. Maybe it’s time the US took a bite.
